newjerseynewsroom.com

Tony Award-winning choreographer Savion Glover thrilled friends of NJIT at the university's recent annual black-tie benefit dinner. The Newark native danced for 50 minutes to a standing room only crowd.

"As soon as he started tap dancing, everyone in the room was awestruck," said one party-goer. "It was like being at a Broadway show. When he stopped dancing, people virtually chased him out of the room for photographs."

The event, held at Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange, brought together some 250 supporters of the university. NJIT President Robert A. Altenkirch served as master of ceremonies for the evening.

"Dinner proceeds endow student scholarships," said Jacquelynn Rhodes, associate vice president for development. Since 1995, many of NJIT's most generous supporters have gathered annually for this event, which has raised nearly $3.5 million in scholarship funds.

Many NJIT students are the first in their families to attend college, and they rely upon merit and need-based scholarships.

Glover, a graduate of Newark Arts High School, made his Broadway debut at age 12 in The Tap Dance Kid. He made his film debut in 1989's Tap co-starring with Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis, Jr. In 1990, he joined the cast of the children's television series Sesame Street and stayed on the show until 1995. He came to prominence in 1996, starring in the George C. Wolfe-produced musical Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk. He also starred in Spike Lee's 2000 film Bamboozled.

The NJIT event honored individuals for achievements beneficial to the state and nation. Organizations exceptional for their commitment to NJIT's mission are also applauded.

Princeton-based architect J. Robert Hillier received the prestigious President's Medal for Lifetime Achievement. Hillier, who has taught in Princeton University's School of Architecture since 1992, began his solo practice in 1966. C. Stephen Cordes received NJIT's Edward F. Weston Medal for Professional Achievement. Cordes graduated from NJIT in 1972 with a BS in industrial engineering. Today, Cordes, of Westfield, is a managing director and member of the executive board of ING Clarion Partners, a leading investment advisory firm specializing in real estate, in New York City.

Hess Corporation, headquartered in New York City, was named the Outstanding Corporate Partner of the year.

— ANDY LAGOMARSINO, NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM